Character and Reputation

Today was an interesting read in my devotional and I wanted to share it with whomever reads my blog.

The passage of scripture that I was reading from was Ezekiel 36:16-38. You are probably wondering why are you reading Ezekiel? Devotional dude!

So as I was reading this story I couldn't help but see that God's character is beyond reproach. But his reputation was being dragged through the mud. You see the people of Israel were being "cotton-headed-ninny-muggins" and not obeying God's law. So what does God the Father do, he sends them all away to their own corners for time-out.

But just like any child in a corner, they start to act out and get bored. The people of God still acted up. So God said you know what you are taking my name and causing other people to view me, the Creator of the heavens and earth as a weak God. 

God said, no sir! not gonna happen as long as I am around, (Which is forever) so he does something that blows my mind. Something that he did not only for the nation of Israel but also for you and me. You know what he did?

He decides to demonstrate his holiness, power and mercy. God does all of this for us today as he did then, not because we deserve it but because God doesn't like it when his reputation is on the line. So how did he do this for us, today?

Well, just like God changed the hearts of Israel through restoration, he then washed the filth from their hearts giving them a new heart with right desires and removed the sin stone heart. But not only that He put His Spirit in them so they would obey the laws and do what is right in God's sight when he commands it.

How crazy is that? That God would care about his people that much. Even in the worse case scenario, God chooses grace. God chooses a better plan for them, even when they don't deserve it. Jesus came for us in the same way God came for the Israelites. Jesus showed us the same attributes of the Father.

So, a final thought: Our character is what we are but our reputation is what people believe we are. Is our character aligning with our reputation as leaders? Are we willing to show mercy, grace and love when situations seem to be dragging down your reputation? I think that then and only then will your true character shine through.

Aaron

Calling all parents

Hey parents how ya doing? Life going well? Job ok? Your kids doing good in school? Activities draining you right now? Holiday stress creeping in? Well, take a deep breath cause it will be ok.

This past week I have been hindered by a nasty flu bug/virus and it wasn't pretty. I had some time to think during that time, yes between the moments where I felt like puking and that my head was going to explode and guess what I was thinking about? Your students. Crazy huh?

This past wednesday night killed me because I couldn't be there to hang out with them. But God has placed some great leaders on Wednesday nights to step in and do the job when I can't be there. If you get a chance, tell Parish Austin, Elisabeth Smith, Kevin and Sheliea Lambing that you appreciate them. They do an amazing job putting up with me and sharing Christ with these students.

So, I know that was thrown in there but it was very much needed to be said. Without them we couldn't do the things we want to do. So back to your students.

I had some questions for you parents about students and their development during their time here at Grace.

My questions are:

1. What is the "end" result that you want to see happen in the lives of your student(s) after they graduate from high school and their time here at GBC Encounter Student Ministry?

2. Going off your answer from question #1, what is the best way for them achieve this result? Is it working? Why or why not? Be honest.

3. Going off your answer from question #2, do you think that the church is the primary place for this to happen or do you have another answer?

I ask these questions because I am curious how parents view the role of the church and the family. In some churches the family and the church are viewed as separate entities. If this is the case, then churches are missing an important piece between partnering with the family in seeing the lives of this generation change.

I say all of this because I think that as parents you ultimately want to see your students accomplish these three things in some shape or fashion:

1. You want your students to know that they are created to pursue a relationship with God
2. You want your students to know they belong to Christ and they are defined by what He says
3. You want your students to know that the reason they exist is to ultimately show and demostrate God's love to a broken world everyday

What if the church and the family combined in their efforts to make these things possible in every student and their families? Flash-forward 15 years from the age of your student, do you want to see them still living these core values as an adult? I think that you do. I know I want my kids to. When I have them.

We are on our way to making this a reality here at Grace Bible Church. We want to see the end result of our students grasp these three things and carry them with them throughout the rest of their lives. In their families, in their communities, in their future church homes.

So to wrap all of this up. As a parent, what can we do as the church to help you be the spiritual leaders of your students? Also, parents what can you do to provide your students opportunities to know that those three qualities are the foundation of your life?

I would love to hear your responses via email or responding to the blog. Take some time and think about this. Please ask questions, share your thoughts and feeling.

I am not going to stop making sure that our students leave knowing that that have a purpose and that there is a God who loves them. This is my passion and I want to see it happen. I believe that it can.

Aaron Smith
asmith180@gmail.com

Paintball and body aches...

Wow, I had a great time yesterday with the students at Grace. I mean it can't get any better than firing off some paintball rounds at some kids, legally! But it was a great time for some of the guys to get to know each other and for me to hang out and get them as well. But it was a busy day for me with preaching two services and also teaching the middle school class in between then sacrificing my body on the paintball field. So why am I writing this: not for a pity party but if I had to do this every week, I would. I loved it. Even though I didn't want to get out of the bed this morning.

God is doing great things here. I mean out of the 15 guys that went yesterday with us, 3 students were new faces. God is drawing students to His church and it's exciting to see the work that has been put in place turning heads so to speak. There is much rebuilding to do. I love the book of Nehemiah. If the people can rebuild the walls in 52 days then God can rebuild this church and student ministry to gain glory and honor. I just want to be a part of the building process and see students and families re-united in one accord glorifying God. Pray with me that this small part of the body of Christ will rise up and take hold of the task at hand. God has great potential for His people, it's up to us to reach it!

Aaron